Downsouth 6,175 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 The news of George Friend not deciding to accept a new one year extension and to move to pastures new will come as a shock to many so like those before he deserves his own dedicated thread in order that we can say goodbye and pay tributes to him accordingly. The object of so many "man crushes" George during his time at Boro could be described as being in the model professional mould. Yes his form over the last two seasons made many question whether or not he should be in the squad and that it was time for MFC to learn to live without him. How ironic that we saw glimpses of a return to form during the final few games and it would have been easy for Karanka to offer him a better deal at Birmingham due to that. Very fond memories of GF some wonderful goals, especially the 35 yard screamer, a terrific servant to the club. Thanks George good luck to the future and you will still have many admirers here. Just hope the MFC fans do get the chance to applaud you should you return there to play. I think that lonely figure of you image sitting in the empty stadium will last a long time, seems you were saying your own goodbyes. 4 4 Link to post Share on other sites
estonpidge 1,442 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 Great service to the club and community, probably our best VFM player ever. But I do believe that the parting of ways is the best thing for both George and MFC Link to post Share on other sites
TeaCider24 12,402 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 I imagine he might have known that it was his last home game when he sat out there alone. I'll miss him, always enjoyed the George Friend cut inside and it's a shame he's leaving on 299 appearances. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
boro-unger 3,817 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 If only we could sign more players like George. Players that stick around through thick and thin. No ego and a great role model. Not to mention a decent left back To absent Friends! 3 Link to post Share on other sites
Maccarone 264 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 A credit to the club, all the very best wishes George. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Blanco 4,900 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 A great role model. I wish him all the best 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Uwe 3,543 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 True professional. Gave his all, best left back in the championship for at least 3 seasons. He took the area to his heart and did so much behind the scenes for the club and those less fortunate. And a true gentleman and nice guy to boot. Id normally bloody hate him if he wasn’t so bloody GORGEOUS 😍 3 Link to post Share on other sites
RiseAgainst 3,777 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 (edited) Didn't he sign for £100,000? If so, I think he has to be up there with the best VFM signings we've ever made, and that's even more impressive considering how many clubs have pulled our pants down over the years. It's the right thing for him to move on, considering recent levels of performance, but I wish him all the very best. Hopefully when fans are allowed back and his name is called out by Mark Page, it will receive a huge cheer - the sendoff he didn't get due to lockdown. 5 Link to post Share on other sites
SmogDane 4,052 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 It's always sad to lose a Friend 🖤 Let's hope we can find more gems like him... 2 Link to post Share on other sites
AnglianRed 6,229 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 Sad but inevitable. As others have said, he gave his all for the club during his time with us and put in many great performances. But the last season or so, he hasn't been the player he once was, so its probably best all round if he moves on. I wish him all the best whatever he decides to do next. Be interesting to see if he gets picked up by another club. Is he truly in decline, or did the strain of operating in Boro's oft haphazard and shambolic defence simply take its toll? Whatever the case, I will definitely miss "Gorgeous George". Link to post Share on other sites
AnglianRed 6,229 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 5 minutes ago, Uwe said: True professional. Gave his all, best left back in the championship for at least 3 seasons. He took the area to his heart and did so much behind the scenes for the club and those less fortunate. And a true gentleman and nice guy to boot. Id normally bloody hate him if he wasn’t so bloody GORGEOUS 😍 Dammit Uwe! Now I'm gonna need some...ahem...alone time... Don't judge me! 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Uwe 3,543 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 4 minutes ago, AnglianRed said: Dammit Uwe! Now I'm gonna need some...ahem...alone time... Don't judge me! I know what you mean. My auntie who’sa good catholic woman in her late 50’s bought that calendar and it was September every day of the year in her house 😂 3 Link to post Share on other sites
Erimus74 2,983 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 45 minutes ago, RiseAgainst said: Didn't he sign for £100,000? If so, I think he has to be up there with the best VFM signings we've ever made, and that's even more impressive considering how many clubs have pulled our pants down over the years. It's the right thing for him to move on, considering recent levels of performance, but I wish him all the very best. Hopefully when fans are allowed back and his name is called out by Mark Page, it will receive a huge cheer - the sendoff he didn't get due to lockdown. Yes £100k & choosing us over Ipswich, great work Mogga 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Redcar Rioja 5,872 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 Top Professional in every aspect and a role model to those around him. Shame he couldn't see his days out here but I wish him well. Hopefully the fixtures will be kind and we won't get Birmingham at the Riverside until late in the season with the crowd back in to give him a send off. To misquote Joe Cocker: "We got by with a little help from George Friend" "We got high with a little help from George Friend" 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Maccarone 264 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 If we can pick up anyone in this transfer window with the same commitment and attitude as George we will do remarkably well, even half of the commitment. Must say though I was impressed reading Marvins article yesterday, good on him, I hope he does well for us this season. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
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